How to create a professional reel - Special Report

Post, Sept, 2002 by Ken Mcgorry

AUSTIN, TX -- Organizers of this summer's SIGGRAPH made a good choice in having Art Durinski moderate their "Studio Views of Demo Tapes" panel. Durinski is a renowned 3D animator (see Post, February 2002) and educator -- he's assistant chairman of the Digital Media Department at LA's Otis College of Art and Design.

At Otis, his Senior Thesis class sees about 55 students (in three sections) through a year of work preparing short animated films, broadcast graphic designs, TV spot campaigns, design and production of computer games and interactive media, and more.

"A second aspect of the class is to assist the student in the preparation and production of professional quality demo tapes and portfolios," Durinski says. His other class, the Senior Internship, focuses on how to procure an internship and how to get a job.

A student's demo reel, and how he or she presents it to professionals calling the shots, is the obvious key.

Durinski offered an overview and there were four very special presenters: Stan Szymanski, VP/digital production, Sony Pictures Imageworks; Frank Gladstone, head of artist development, DreamWorks Feature Animation; Dan Philips, VP/production, Big Idea Productions; and Steve Chapman, VP, Gentle Giant Studios.

"On the design, the creation, and the presentation of demo tapes, the panel was in majority agreement on various issues," Durinski says. "Keep the demo reel short, two minutes is a good length. Lead off with your very best work, otherwise the reviewer may never get to it. Include only your best work focus on your strengths and never include work that you need to apologize for. Include only the kind of work that you would actually like to do (for example: do not include examples of elaborate models that you have built if you do not like to model). Be careful of your audio. Do not let the audio interfere with your visuals. In most cases it is better to use instrumentals rather than vocals. And, likewise, be conscious of your editing. Do not let ft be amateurish or overpowering. Establish a rhythm and pace that highlights rather than distracts from your work."

The panel, Durinski says, was also in agreement on what job seekers must include with their tapes: "a slate at the beginning and at the end of your demo that indicates who you are, what you do, and how you can be contacted. And be sure to professionally label your tape (and tape case) with similar information. Include a shot list identifying each piece on your reel, and specify exactly and clearly what you did on that piece. If it was a group project, include names of the people on your team. If you use stock models or stock footage, note that on your shot list. Be sure to also include a resume with each demo tape. Be honest and keep your reel current."

VHS is still the accepted demo format. "Do not rely solely on DVDs or an Internet site for prospective employers to view your work," Durinski says.

"There is no doubt that career opportunities in the digital content creation segment are growing and will continue to grow. The need for talented and motivated artists/animators in all areas of this field will never subsist," Durinski concludes.